J. Michael Smith, MD

J. Michael Smith, MD, FACS, FACC, FACP, FAHA, is president of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute and a board-certified cardiac surgeon globally recognized for treating complex heart conditions through both traditional open surgery and advanced robotic and minimally invasive approaches. His expertise includes complex valve surgery, the Ross procedure, aortic aneurysm surgery and surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. He also serves as medical director of Cardiovascular and Mitral Valve Surgery, medical director of Cardiovascular Surgical Research at The Carl and Edyth Lindner Research Center and holds The Castellini Foundation Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Dr. Smith works with each patient to determine the most effective surgical approach based on their condition and individual needs. For patients who require complex open surgery, he has extensive experience performing highly specialized procedures involving the heart’s valves, aorta and rhythm. When appropriate, he can also offer minimally invasive or robotic options that may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

A pioneer in robotic cardiac surgery, Dr. Smith has performed thousands of robotic cardiac procedures and is among the nation’s most experienced and respected robotic heart surgeons. He has helped develop and advance techniques that allow increasingly complex heart procedures to be performed through smaller incisions, which may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery for appropriate patients. Surgeons from across the country and around the world seek his expertise. He has taught surgical teams, performed live educational cases and has presented to physicians around the world. He is deeply committed to training and mentoring other physicians in advanced cardiac surgery.

Dr. Smith’s commitment to innovation extends from the operating room to cardiovascular research. His work has helped bring first-in-the-world treatments to patients while advancing new approaches to both open and minimally invasive heart surgery. He has authored numerous scientific publications and has contributed to expert consensus publications as a member of select panels of cardiac surgery specialists.

Dr. Smith also has a strong interest in global health and helps train cardiothoracic surgery residents at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati and his cardiothoracic surgery residency at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He is certified by The American Board of Surgery and The American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Known for taking the time to listen, explain treatment options and answer questions, Dr. Smith works closely with each patient to develop an individualized surgical plan. His goal is to provide the most effective treatment possible while helping patients feel informed and confident in their care.